Mobile phone customers ‘deserve more protection’

After completing the trade in of a mobile phone, consumers are in need of more supportive legislation when buying a replacement, according to an expert.

Andrew Lim, editor of Recombu.com, says there is a need for rules to ensure people are given more details about cancellation when signing up to a new deal with a provider.

“I don’t think people do get enough information about how to cancel contracts. Networks don’t always make it easy to figure out that stuff,” he explains.

The Communications Consumer Panel recently had research conducted on its behalf, which found 56 per cent of people buying a new mobile in-store were not given the right information about cancelling should they encounter problems.

Mr Lim adds it would “be nice” if legislation was brought in to protect customers who are prepared to enter a contract.

He says there should be a way to get out of such deals if the device provided has faults.